Bye Bye [Food] Baggage!

Alternative post title:
That time I went on a trip and didn’t pack an extra suitcase just for food.

I noticed something after I got back from St. Louis last week…I uploaded the few food pics I had in my phone and realized that, compared to years past, I was a lot more relaxed about the food “situation”. Anytime that I’ve traveled in the last few years, I’ve always been super anxious about my meals and snacks and so I would end up packing up half the pantry “just in case”. Now, I’m not calling anyone out for packing their own food for trips. I am fully aware that there ARE instances where that is totally necessary, but I’m saying that for me, it was not.

So why don’t we take a look at a bit of carefree deliciousness?

McDonald's French Fries

No scoffing at this one. McDonald’s french fries are where it’s AT! I know Amanda agrees with me! They are especially good in a Happy Meal that comes with a toy who becomes the mascot for the trip. Seriously you guys, I can’t even TELL you the last time I stepped foot in a McDonald’s…or the last time someone mentioned it without me breaking into a sweat, but I have to say my little chicken nuggets, fries, and cute little bag of apple slices definitely hit the spot…without any guilt whatsoever.

Imo's Bacon Pizza

Then there was this mushroom, olive, and bacon pizza from Imo’s Pizza. Honestly, wasn’t a huge fan. I’ve had pizza from there before, but for some reason, the sauce tasted sweeter this time. But instead of totally freaking out, I just ordered a side salad, ate enough to quell my hunger, and moved on.

Peanuts & Pretzels

Of the few snacks I did pack for the trip, luckily I brought some peanuts and pretzels because they were basically the only thing Hungover Heather could handle for the first few hours everyday. Oops?

Caramel Crunch Zone Bars

These little Zone bars came in handy to have something on mine and my friends’ stomachs before hitting the bars up again each night. 😆

Strange Donuts

There were a MILLION different food vendors at the festival…none of that corn dog and funnel cake shit! And this “Campfire” donut from Strange Donuts (that took me nearly half the day to eat) was absolutely amazing! Almost as good as the plate of white bean hummus and pita bread that I got from Triumph Grill whose picture was lost to Hangry Heather.

And yes, I did just say that hummus was better than a chocolate donut! Lol

Eovaldi's Toasted Ravioli

Also, the (unphotogenic so therefore unPICTURED) chef salad from Eovaldi’s Deli on the Hill beat out their toasted raviolis by a landslide. There was no thought to sodium, nitrates, or however much fat was in their smack yo’ mama house made Italian dressing…or the shitton of cheese on top!

Note to self: Find out where to buy Provel cheese…and then bathe in it.

Gooey Butter Cake

And c’mon, what would a trip to St. Louis be without a little gooey butter cake? Even though I’m not a huge sweets person (hence the multiple “meals” I got out of that donut) but I’ve always wanted to try one. So when my friends the sign for Park Avenue Coffee advertising 73 different flavors, we just had to check it out. I got the chocolate chip cookie dough version (because duh) and split it with one of my friends, but what I really wish I would’ve gotten was the honey latte that my other friend ordered…it tasted like pure HEAVEN!

And can I just take a moment to pat myself on the back? Because there has been absolutely no thought to “getting back on track” since my little vacation. I’ve enjoyed salads and cereal, Greek yogurt and cookies without batting an eye!

Who makes the best fast food fries?

What’s the best thing you’ve eaten lately outside your city?

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26 Responses to Bye Bye [Food] Baggage!

  1. Hmm… I’m a pretty big fan of Whataburger in general. On the occasion we do eat fast food, that’s usually what my vote is for!

  2. Hilary says:

    I have been feeling the same way! Although I always pack snacks for vacation because we all get a little hungry between meals but I think it’s so great to embrace the new place you are at fully! That means food and all! And that donut oh my gosh I want one now!

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Oh yeah…it’s one thing to pack car snacks, but another entirely to bring a whole suitcase stuffed with food “just in case”. And looking back at this post…since I’m horrible and got three weeks behind in responding to comments…I’m drooling over that donut all over again! Lol

  3. Good for you, girl! It’s so important to stay balanced, which is something I think a lot of us struggle with. There comes a point when your healthiness starts becoming unhealthy in that way. Thanks for sharing this!

    As far as fast food fries.. yikes, it’s been a while. I’d have to say McD’s over BK as well! =)

  4. Is that a tiny macdonalds fries cup?!!

  5. YESSSSS! This is so amazing to read. Fuck the food guilt. Ain’t nobody got time for dat.

  6. Way to go lady!!! So proud!!
    I love travelling BECAUSE it gives me the chance to try out new things and I love it even more when I manage to stay relaxed about it.
    As for that donut…..oh my drool.

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Thanks girlie! And amen to that! I’ve always been eager to try new things when traveling, but most of the time I would come home feeling so guilty. But not anymore! 😀

  7. Love this so much lady!!! Life is a lot more enjoyable without that pesky food guilt hanging around. As for fast food fries…gotta give it to Arby’s curly fries, but I usually go for onion rings, myself.

  8. OMG you did NOT just say you wanted to buy Provel. I gag.
    Here’s the rundown. It’s a St. Louis-only cheese, and you can buy it in their stores. Basically, its shredded American or velveeta cheese. Thats why its all shiny and gooey.
    But I digress. I die for that donut! Killer yum.
    Glad you had fun and were more relaxed. I’ve noticed lately that my food bag is very tiny to non-existant. Kind of amazing, right?

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      First: “I’ve noticed lately that my food bag is very tiny to non-existant. Kind of amazing, right?” <- Ummm, let me think...HELL FREAKING YES!!!! So proud of you girlie! And I'm sorry, but I do love me some velveeta! Mmmmmm, queso dip! Lol

  9. That donut looks AMAZING! I think the best food I’ve eaten outside of my city is crispy thick cut sweet potato fries dipped in ranch mixed with salsa! 🙂

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Ohhhhhh, nothing better than super crispy sweet potato fries. I hate it when restaurants serve them all soft and squishy. I’ll have to try that dip combo!

  10. Natash says:

    McDonald’s fries…I’m with you on that one (: Drooling!

    I wish I could get to that carefree food stage but I still panic when travelling unless I know there are good grocery stores and markets nearby.

    Such is life…..

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Beleive me…it took a LONNNNNNNNNNG time for me to get to this point. And? I still have “my moments” sometimes.

  11. It’s awesome to see how far you’ve come since I’ve known you. Wait, how long HAVE I known you? It seems like it’s been a long time!!

    I don’t know what looks better: that donut or that butter cake. Next time invite me along, okay? 😉

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Awwww, it DOES seem like forever doesn’t it? I was just thinking about that when I responded yesterday to your comment about the sunbutter sauce. 😀

  12. I’m so proud of you. That is all.

  13. You KNOW I’m totally with you on McD fries! I don’t care what anyone says, or even that they’re not technically potatoes… I love them and always will. Especially with sweet and sour sauce. Omigosh. And I don’t even think I need to tell you how super, super happy I am for you 🙂 Feels nice to lose the baggage, eh?

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Omg, YES! So freeing! And so good not to feel like the “weird one” on a trip needing all sorts of special attention and soothing speak. Oh and just so you know, I dipped my fries in my sweeet and sour JUST for you! 😉

  14. It’s times like these I HATE having you on snapchat. Making me salivate before work, after work, during dinner, before bed.

    STOKED to see this frame of mind- I love it. I bet that trip was 2000% better purely because of that stress lifted off your shoulders. As much as I love mcD’s fries, it’s KFC for me. Fat fries = more salt.

    • kissmybroccoli says:

      Haha! #sorryimnotsorry? 😉

      And yes, compared to meltdowns I’ve had which led to ruining other trips, this was leaps and bounds beyond! Ya know? I don’t think I’ve ever had KFC’s fries. For me it’s alllllll about those mashed potatoes and gravy! Mmmm!

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